Whether yours is permed, straight, long, short, grey, dyed or not there at all, hair has deep roots (sorry) in the way we perceive ourselves and each other.

There are also as many misconceptions as there are hairstyles when it comes to hair, such as women shouldn't have long hair over forty, never trust a man with a beard and blondes have more fun.

Hairy science

A good place to begin was with the science of hair.

Professor Rod Sinclair is a Dermatologist with a passion for hair who among other things, debunked the myth that hair grows after death and explaining why there is no scientific difference between animal fur and human hair.

Musical hair across the ages

Meanwhile over at the Q Theatre in Queanbeyan, Director Stephen Pike was putting on another remake of the iconic hair based musical, Hair - The American tribal Love-Rock Musical.

The cast treated us to some fabulous renditions of the show's classic hits, as well explaining that the world seems eerily similar to that which first saw Hair debut forty years ago.

Stephen acknowledged that we still struggle with issues of war, equality, drugs and environment, making the musical as relevant as ever in 2012.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Of course all this talk of shiny gleaming hair isn't everyone's reality.

You may be receding as you get older, or be suffering hair loss after chemotherapy.

Eleanor Bates from the cancer support group 'Bosom Buddies' acknowledged the effects of this aggressive cancer treatment and the changes it can have on your sense of self.

She also highlighted aspects of hair we take for granted.

The group have designed a product called the 'Head Fluffy' that helps bulk up the area that would normally be filled by hair under a cap or scarf, and helps keep your head warm in winter!

Hirsute family

A family that has dealt with hair for some time (possibly even your own) is the Franco family here in Canberra.

This long standing Hairdressing dynasty has tended to Canberra hairdos since 1956 and has overseen every possible trend in hair fashion.

Going to the Hairdresser was always seen as a social event, with a visit to the salon as therapeutic as a trip to the therapist!

Beware the beard

We then moved on to the polarising trend of facial hair.

Most people have an opinion on whether they like the look of a full beard, designer stubble or a clean shaven face.

Barnaby Dixson from UNSW's Evolution and Ecology Research centre acknowledged the powerful communication values a beard can possess.

It seems an unusual feature from an evolutionary standpoint, with one theory being that it may enhance attractiveness as it frames facial expression.

Beardly beloved

Some people are more passionate than most about the concept of facial hair, with Adelaide folk rock band 'The Beards' flying the flag for social acceptance of this masculine feature.

Drummer John Beardman Jnr told Genevieve that the band is far more respected now than in the dark unwelcoming days of the group's formation in 2005.

He also welcomed the idea of grooming kits to be sold at upcoming shows, and let us in on the recipe for the beard growth elixir they are currently developing in their basement.